In the first commitment of the season2023-24 season, 20-year-old defenceman Colin Doherty has committed to the State University of New York (SUNY) Geneseo Ice Knights in NCAA Division III for next season. Doherty started the season with the Amarillo Wranglers of the NAHL before being acquired by the Red Wings in January, and he’s played all 22 games for the Wings since then.
The Chicago, Illinois native has put up 3G-5A-8P with the Red Wings while playing a shut down role with the team. While Doherty is proud of the work he’s put in himself, he is quick to give praise to his teammates that have helped him find his success.
“It feels really good, but I can’t do anything without my brothers with me fighting for me every night. I couldn’t have done it without the help of my teammates, my coaches, and my family and I’m really grateful for that.”
Doherty started talking about his commitment while he was still playing in Amarillo, but he believes his time with the Red Wings really helped set him apart from the pack. With one of the hardest slapshots in the SJHL, Doherty is appreciative for the work Head Coach Cody Mapes and Assistant Coach Kevin Saworski put into developing his game.
“I think it took me a few games to really find how the league is really played, it’s a lot different than where I originally played in Texas in the NAHL. I think once I got through that adjustment period, I think I’ve benefitted well from the structure and from Cody and Kevin, they’re great. They help me out with video all the time and I think Geneseo is really happy with the way I’ve progressed with the extra time on the powerplay and showing people that I can move the puck and make those plays.”
While Geneseo is in the future for Doherty, his focus is set on the playoffs with the Red Wings. Even though the Red Wings will enter the playoffs in an underdog spot between 6th-8th in the league, Doherty says this team is poised to make waves in the playoffs no matter who the Wings end up playing.
“We’re all pumped up. For us the biggest thing is to bring a Canterra Seeds Cup back to Weyburn. We’ve had a great history behind the Red Wings, I’m sitting in here (the Red Wings office) looking at all this memorabilia from all these great teams, we want to make history and make Weyburn proud of their hockey team. I think that’s all we can ask for.”
Doherty joined the team with the Red Wings team with former Amarillo teammate and fellow American Lucas Jeffreys.
Congratulations to Colin for making his commitment to the Geneseo Ice Knights.